Bangladesh Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (BSCMFP)
Component-3 of the Bangladesh Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (SCMFP), implemented by the Social Development Foundation (SDF), plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of coastal fishing communities in Bangladesh by addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable fisheries practices and livelihood diversification. This component, with a budget allocation of US$52.3 million out of the total project budget of US$281.6 million, focuses on empowering poor fishing households that rely on coastal and marine fishing, particularly those holding a Fisher ID Card. Covering 450 fisher villages across 45 Upazilas in 13 districts (including Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram), the project adopts a Community Driven Development (CDD) approach, ensuring that local communities take charge of their development, promoting sustainability and inclusivity.
The thematic areas under Component-3 encompass initiatives designed to strengthen community institutions, promote sustainable fishing practices, improve livelihoods, develop local infrastructure, and empower women. SDF engages coastal communities by establishing village-level institutions like Fisher Village Organizations (FVO) and Village Fisheries Co-Management Committees (VFCC), providing capacity-building training in accounts management and leadership to foster effective governance. Sustainable fishing interventions include distributing legal nets, enforcing fishing bans, and maintaining fish sanctuaries for conservation and co-management. To reduce reliance on fishing, the project promotes alternative income-generating activities (AIGA), such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, and handicrafts, supported by livelihood loans from a Revolving Fund. Additionally, SDF funds small-scale community infrastructure improvements like roads, culverts, fish landing stations, and solar lamp posts, enhancing living conditions and economic opportunities in fisher villages. Financial support is provided through the Institutional Development Fund (IDF), Revolving/Shabolombi Fund (RF/SF), and Community Infrastructure Support Fund (CISF), which strengthen community capacities, promote skill development, and support meritorious students, ultimately fostering sustainable livelihoods in these coastal areas.
Institutional Development: Empowering Local Governance and Community-Driven Decision Making
Involvement of Fisher Households: Engaged 53,777 families (target: 54,000) across 450 fisher villages, contributing significantly to sustainable fishing practices and compliance with environmental laws.
Formation of Savings Groups: Established 4,500 savings groups (target: 4,500), accumulating BDT 11.27 crore, enhancing financial security and resource management within fisher communities.
Establishment of Fisher Federations: Successfully established regional and Upazila-level fisher federations, providing fisher communities with representation and a voice at various administrative levels.
Reduced Dependency on Local Moneylenders: Fisher families have significantly decreased borrowing from local moneylenders (dadandar/aratdar), improving their financial independence.
Development of Fisheries Management Plans: Communities in each village have prepared Fisheries Management Development Plans (FMDP), tailored to local issues, and are actively executing them.
A central pillar of Component-3 is Institutional Development, which focuses on building strong community institutions that enable coastal fishers to manage their resources and development activities independently. SDF has played a key role in establishing village-level organizations, including Fisher Village Organizations (FVOs), Fisher Village Credit Organizations (FVCOs), and Village Fisheries Co-Management Committees (VFCCs). These organizations act as decision-making bodies responsible for planning and implementing various development initiatives within their communities.
SDF provides these institutions with extensive capacity-building training in areas such as financial management, leadership, resource mobilization, and community governance. This ensures that community members, particularly marginalized groups such as women and youth, are equipped to actively participate in the management of development projects. Savings Committees (SC), Social Audit Committees (SAC), and Finance Committees (FC) further ensure that financial decisions and resource allocations are transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the community. By promoting local governance, SDF fosters ownership and accountability within fisher villages, creating self-reliant communities capable of sustaining their progress beyond the duration of the project.
SDF’s institutional development initiatives have strengthened the local governance structures in 450 fisher villages. As a result, fishers now have the capacity to manage their development funds, plan community projects, and monitor the implementation of these activities. This bottom-up approach has increased social cohesion within communities and reduced their reliance on external actors, ensuring that community-led institutions will continue to drive sustainable development long after the project's completion.
Fisheries Co-Management: Ensuring Sustainable Use of Marine Resources
Strengthening Fisheries Co-Management: Established 450 fisheries co-management committees (target: 450), playing a critical role in preventing illegal fishing and ensuring compliance with fishing bans through community sensitization.
Active Role of Village Fisheries Co-Management Committees: These committees have been instrumental in stopping illegal fishing and enforcing fishing bans, helping to protect marine resources.
Sustainable fisheries management is at the heart of Component-3, with SDF promoting a co-management model that involves collaboration between local communities and government agencies, including the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard. Through this co-management system, fishers are actively involved in regulating fishing activities, enforcing fishing bans, and conserving marine biodiversity. The creation of Fisheries Co-Management Committees at the village, Upazila, and district levels has ensured that fishers have a voice in decision-making processes related to fisheries management.
To support sustainable fishing practices, SDF has also introduced Local Fisheries Management Development Plans (FMDPs), which outline specific strategies for managing fish stocks, conserving marine habitats, and preventing Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing. Fishers are provided with legal fishing nets, and communities are trained to maintain fish sanctuaries and enforce the Fish Act. Regular community sensitization programs raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine resources for future generations, ensuring widespread compliance with regulations.
The implementation of co-management practices has resulted in significant improvements in marine resource conservation and the sustainability of fisheries. By empowering local communities to manage their fisheries, SDF has reduced the prevalence of illegal fishing and helped protect endangered fish species. Moreover, fishers now have greater control over their resources, allowing them to sustainably harvest marine products while ensuring the long-term health of coastal ecosystems.
Vocational Training & Empowerment: Building Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods
A total of 22,649 un/under-employed youth were identified as potential participants for skills development training
14102 youth and participated skills development training
13452 youth and fisher completed skills development training
10761 participants engaged as wage and self-employment
1500 Fishers completely stopped fishing after receiving skills training
1400 started their own business as a potential entrepreneur.
BDT 1,25,00000 has been distributed among the 250 meritorious students as stipend
One of the key focuses of Component-3 is the provision of vocational training to youth and fishers from coastal communities. SDF offers technical and vocational training programs that equip participants with the skills necessary to secure alternative employment outside of capture fisheries. Training areas include aquaculture, livestock rearing, dry fish processing, eco-tourism, and small-scale entrepreneurship, helping fishers diversify their sources of income and reduce their dependence on traditional fishing activities.
As of August 2024, 12,700 youths from fisher families have received training, with 9,980 securing employments in various industries. SDF’s training programs are complemented by ongoing capacity-building sessions in financial literacy, business management, and market linkages, ensuring that fishers are well-prepared to run their own businesses or find employment in other sectors. In addition, women's participation is actively encouraged, with 97% of fisher women involved in project activities and 57% holding leadership roles in community organizations, fostering gender equality and economic empowerment.
The vocational training and empowerment programs have significantly reduced unemployment in coastal communities and boosted economic resilience by creating diverse income streams. By equipping fishers with the necessary skills to engage in alternative livelihoods, SDF has helped communities’ transition away from a sole reliance on fishing, thereby enhancing their ability to withstand economic and environmental shocks.
Livelihood Transformation: Promoting Alternative Income-Generating Activities (AIGA)
Creation of Producer Groups: Formed producer groups in 100 model fisher villages (target: 100), fostering economic diversification through livestock rearing, fish processing, and farming, contributing to sustainable livelihoods.
Promotion of Alternative Income Sources: Engaged 43,701 fisher families (target: 40,500) in alternative income-generating activities such as agriculture, small businesses, and livestock rearing, reducing reliance on fishing and boosting economic resilience.
To ensure the long-term economic sustainability of coastal fishers, Component-3 promotes alternative livelihood opportunities through Alternative Income-Generating Activities (AIGA). Fishers are encouraged to engage in aquaculture, poultry farming, handicrafts, eco-tourism, and dry fish production, among other activities. SDF provides financial support through Revolving Funds (RF) and Livelihood Assistance Loans, enabling fishers to invest in new ventures and gradually reduce their reliance on marine resources for their livelihoods.
SDF has also formed producer groups in 100 model fisher villages, facilitating better market access and stronger value chains for small-scale producers. These groups engage in collective bargaining, which improves their market linkages and enhances the profitability of their activities. By diversifying the income sources of fisher families, SDF has contributed to the economic empowerment of coastal communities, helping them build resilience to environmental and economic vulnerabilities.
The promotion of alternative livelihoods has led to substantial improvements in income security for fisher families. As of August 2024, 43,701 fisher families have adopted alternative income-generating activities, reducing their dependence on fishing and boosting their economic stability. This shift has also helped mitigate the pressure on marine resources, contributing to the overall sustainability of coastal ecosystems.
Appropriate Fishing Intervention: Conserving Marine Ecosystems and Resources
Under Component-3, SDF has introduced Appropriate Fishing Interventions designed to promote sustainable fishing practices and conserve marine biodiversity. Fisher families in 100 Model Fisher Villages (MFV) have received financial support through the Appropriate Fishing Intervention Implementation Fund (AFIIF), which allows them to implement eco-friendly fishing practices and invest in fish sanctuaries. The distribution of legal fishing nets has reduced the use of harmful, illegal nets, which often lead to overfishing and the destruction of juvenile fish populations.
These interventions are aligned with the broader objective of marine conservation, ensuring that coastal communities can sustainably harvest marine resources while protecting critical fish habitats. The establishment of fish sanctuaries and the enforcement of fishing bans have further contributed to the preservation of marine ecosystems, safeguarding fish stocks for future generations.
The appropriate fishing interventions implemented by SDF have helped reduce the impact of overfishing and contribute to the restoration of marine biodiversity. By promoting sustainable fishing practices, fishers are now able to harvest marine resources responsibly, ensuring the long-term viability of their livelihoods and the protection of coastal ecosystems.
Community Infrastructure Development: Enhancing Connectivity and Livelihood Opportunities
Total 3397 infrastructures of 16 types constructed
413 nos 47 km length HBB, BFS and CC road constructed which increased market access and reducing post-harvest losses, thereby improving fisheries profitability.
2109 tubewells installed to ensure available safe drinking water
44 community Rain Water Harvesting System (RWHS) installed to ensure available safe drinking water
717 solar street lights installed for social safety and better connectivity
66 drainage system constructed for better waste management and hygiene
Small-scale community infrastructure development is another crucial aspect of Component-3. SDF supports the construction of roads, culverts, fish landing stations, water treatment plants, tube wells, and solar lamp posts in fisher villages. These infrastructure projects enhance village connectivity, improve access to services, and support economic activities by reducing post-harvest losses and increasing access to markets.
Improved infrastructure has significantly enhanced living conditions in coastal communities. The installation of water purification systems and tube wells has provided access to safe drinking water, reducing health risks and improving overall well-being. These infrastructure investments, funded by the Community Infrastructure Support Fund (CISF), are essential for improving market access and enhancing the profitability of fishing activities.
The development of community infrastructure has resulted in better connectivity and enhanced economic opportunities for fishers and their families. Improved access to markets has led to a reduction in post-harvest losses, while better road connectivity has facilitated the transport of fish and other products to markets, boosting incomes.
Women Empowerment: Promoting Gender Equality and Economic Participation
Women's Empowerment: Achieved active participation of 97% of fisher women in project activities, with 57% holding leadership roles in key committees, empowering them within the community.
Women’s empowerment is a key cross-cutting theme in all activities under Component-3. SDF actively promotes the inclusion of women in all aspects of the project, from leadership roles in community organizations to participation in alternative income-generating activities. With 97% of fisher women involved in project activities and 57% holding leadership positions in village committees, the project has not only empowered women economically but also socially. By involving women in decision-making processes, SDF is fostering greater gender equity and ensuring that women have a central role in driving the development of their communities. The project’s emphasis on gender inclusion has transformed the socio-economic dynamics of coastal villages, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive development model.
The active participation of women in leadership roles has transformed gender dynamics within coastal communities. As a result, women have become key decision-makers in local governance, contributing to a more inclusive development process. Their involvement in alternative income-generating activities has also improved household incomes and reduced dependency on traditional fishing, contributing to the economic resilience of their families.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting Marine Ecosystems and Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
Model Villages as Learning Hubs: The success of biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management in 100 model villages is serving as a learning platform for other development organizations.
Strengthened Linkages with Stakeholders: Built stronger connections among fisher communities, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), the Coast Guard, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration in fish conservation efforts.
Improved Knowledge on Illegal Fishing: Communities have gained a better understanding of the impacts of illegal fishing, leading to more sustainable practices in managing marine resources
Biodiversity conservation is a critical element of Component-3’s sustainability efforts. SDF promotes the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and fish sanctuaries in coastal regions to preserve endangered species and protect vital marine ecosystems. The introduction of sustainable fishing practices and the enforcement of fishing bans during breeding seasons have helped prevent overfishing, ensuring that fish stocks are maintained for future generations.
Communities are trained in marine resource management and educated about the importance of preserving biodiversity for long-term environmental sustainability. By integrating community-driven conservation efforts with government regulations, SDF ensures that local fishers have a vested interest in protecting marine habitats while still benefiting from sustainable resource use.
The conservation efforts under Component-3 have contributed to the restoration of marine biodiversity in coastal areas. The establishment of fish sanctuaries and sustainable fishing practices has led to an increase in fish populations, benefiting both the environment and the livelihoods of fisher communities. SDF’s approach has created a sustainable balance between conservation and economic activity, ensuring that communities can continue to thrive while protecting their natural resources
Waste Management: Reducing Marine Pollution and Promoting Sustainability
Marine Waste Management Initiatives: Implemented waste management practices in 100 model villages, reducing plastic pollution and promoting marine biodiversity conservation.
Waste management is another important thematic area under Component-3, focusing on reducing marine pollution caused by discarded fishing gear and plastic waste. SDF has mobilized community members to collect and recycle discarded fishing nets, which are often harmful to marine life. The community-driven waste collection system, initiated in January 2024 across several coastal villages, has helped reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the marine environment.
In collaboration with local stakeholders, SDF has also encouraged the repurposing of fishing nets into useful products such as fencing materials. This initiative not only addresses the issue of waste but also creates alternative livelihood opportunities for community members involved in the collection and recycling process. The establishment of village-level waste hubs ensures that waste is managed locally, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
The waste management initiatives have significantly reduced marine pollution in the project areas, contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems and improving the overall health of the coastal environment. By integrating waste management into the broader development strategy, SDF is helping to create sustainable, eco-friendly practices that benefit both the environment and local communities